PARENTS in Perth’s Tulloch district are angry and perplexed at Perth and Kinross Council’s resolve to close a local play park – one of 19 to be axed in a cost-cutting exercise.

Despite the on-going support from two of their ward councillors – Callum Gillies and John Flynn – the parents have so far failed to persuade the council to think again over the future of the well-used play park.

The parents say the Ritchie Place play area is a safe and healthy environment for the many younger children living in the area.

They do not have to cross busy roads to reach the park, it is in a safe location surrounded by houses, and it has a rubber surface and equipment suitable for youngsters, they claim.

The council points the way to another play area which the authority states could be used by the Ritchie Place children.

That park is close to the one earmarked for closure, but its setting is very different.

There is a busy road with a bend to cross, it is set apart from houses and, when the PA reporter visited, it was being used by older boys playing football – nothing wrong with that, but not a suitable environment for younger children.

“Our play park is well used by primary school age children and pre-school – it’s a great wee space,” said Emma Brown, who takes her 18-month-old son to play there almost every day.

Beaton Lindsay, a dad of two daughters aged six and 11, agreed: “This play park is safe because where kids can just walk along the path to get to it, and parents can see them play from their houses.

“My 11-year-old doesn’t like going to the other park because of the older kids.”

Emma and Beaton were among a large turnout of parents at a recent meeting of Tulloch Residents’ Association.

It was there that they learned the play park would close in April but were allegedly told no one was prepared to listen to grievances and that the decision to close the parks had been made and was not going to be reversed.

“Why, when the council made its decision to close the parks last February, is it only now saying they can be taken over by communities?” Ms Brown asked.

“Then when we raised the issue of children having to cross a busy road to get to the other play area we were told that a road safety survey is to be undertaken next year.

“Surely that should have come months and months ago when the council was considering closing the play areas?

“The whole process has been a shambles and clearly the council has not thought it through.

“Is PKC really willing to put a paltry budget saving before the safety of children?”

Councillor Gillies, who organised a petition bearing almost 1000 signatures against the 19-park closure decision, said yesterday: “I do not think the council’s administration will change its mind but how we can take this forward is an option to pursue.

“I am also looking at the legal scenario including asking if the council has the right to take away these play areas.”

Councillor Flynn added: “The costs simply do not stack up. In closing these play areas the council will be saving a paltry sum while children will be at risk.”

Councillors Gillies and Flynn urged everyone concerned at all the play parks closures to support a meeting in Letham Community Centre on Thursday, February 23, at 7.30pm.

In Perth, three are to be shut in the Western Edge area, five in Tulloch, two in Letham, one in Oakbank and one in Friarton. A further two will close in Kinross, with one each in Aberfeldy, Crieff, Birnam, Fossoway and Alyth.